2015年ESL之商务英语 06 Selling a Business

Selling a Business 

Andy: I can’t believe you’re really selling up. I thought you’d stick it out for another year. 

Robin¹: Business has been slow for three years running and I can’t count on things to pick up anytime soon. I’m selling this business now before it’s completely worthless. 

Andy: You should get a good price with all that equipment and inventory². 

Robin: I’m hoping that my valuation is in line with what buyers want to pay. I plan to sweeten the pot by offering my consulting services as part of the deal. I’ll introduce the new owners to my suppliers and clients, go over the books with them, and help them set up daily operations. 

Andy: That should give them a jump-start. With all that knowledge, you could start a new business on the other side of town and hope that business is better there. 

Robin: I couldn’t do that. The sales contract has a non- compete clause. That’s only fair. 

Andy: I guess. What are you going to do now? 

Robin: I’m not sure yet. With the proceeds of the sale, I might try my hand at something entirely³ different. 

Andy: How different? 

Robin: I’ve always wanted to own an ice cream shop. 

Andy: An ice cream shop in Alaska? You might want to rethink that business plan. 

 

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse 

1 robin   

n.知更鸟，红襟鸟

参考例句：

• The robin is the messenger of spring.知更鸟是报春的使者。
• We knew spring was coming as we had seen a robin.我们看见了一只知更鸟，知道春天要到了。

2 inventory   

n.详细目录，存货清单

参考例句：

• Some stores inventory their stock once a week.有些商店每周清点存货一次。
• We will need to call on our supplier to get more inventory.我们必须请供应商送来更多存货。

3 entirely   

ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地

参考例句：

• The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的。
• His life was entirely given up to the educational work. 他的一生统统献给了教育工作。